IP69K vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP69K and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 3). IP69K is rated for dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP69K is dust-tight and resists high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. The highest IP rating, required for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical washdown environments.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP69K
Yes
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP69K
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP69K
Yes
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP69K
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP69K vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP69K is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP69K provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.